Fed Cuts Interest Rate by Half-Point

Stocks traded in a narrow range for the first half of the week as anxious investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) September meeting.^3,4 

Shortly after 2 pm ET Wednesday, the Fed announced it was cutting rates by a half percentage point—a more significant cut than some investors anticipated. Stocks initially rose in response and then fell. Some market watchers attributed the decline to concern that the Fed might be concerned about economic growth.^5,6 

But after sleeping on it, stocks rallied Thursday, with the Nasdaq, S&P, and Dow climbing 2.5 percent, 1.7 percent, and 1.3 percent, respectively. The Dow topped 42,000 for the first time, while the S&P crossed the 5,700 mark.^7,8

The half-point cut was the first change in the Fed Funds Rate in 14 months and the first reduction in 4½ years, bringing its target range to 4.75-5.0 percent. Fed Chair Powell said the decision reflected the Committee’s “greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent” and that the “risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance.”⁹

Monday: Fed Officials Raphael Bostic, Austan Goolsbee and Neel Kashkari speak.

Tuesday: Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.

Wednesday: New Home Sales. EIA Petroleum Status Report.

Thursday: Gross Domestic Product. Durable Goods. Fed Chair Powell speaks. Pending Home Sales. Fed Officials Michael Barr, John Williams and Neel Kashkari speak. 7-Year Treasury Note Auction.

Friday: Personal Income & Outlays. International Trade in Goods. Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 19, 2024
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

Tuesday: AutoZone, Inc. (AZO)

Wednesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Cintas Corporation (CTAS)

Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

^{Source: Zacks, September 19, 2024
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}

Tax Treatment of Hobbies

Taxpayers who earn money from their hobbies might have to report the income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here are some tips to help: 

1. The IRS taxes income differently depending on whether it comes from a true hobby or a for-profit business.   
2. Your hobby may entail expenses required to do it well. For example, you may need to buy yarn to knit scarves. You might be able to deduct expenses associated with your hobby or business. 
3. In some instances, you can deduct approvable expenses only up to the amount you brought in for income. 

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov¹⁰

Rest, Relaxation, and Healthy Nutrition

Here are some tips on how to stay healthy, even during long trips:

• Before heading to the airport, pack a snack box of fruits, veggies, nuts, lean proteins, and healthy bars. This way, you won’t be tempted by chips and soda while you wait for your flight. 
• Get plenty of sleep. Like at home, getting a good night’s sleep while traveling is essential. Sleep helps your body reset for the next day and will help you maintain your weight. 
• Hydrate often. 
• Take your vitamins to ensure you’re at your best. A daily pill organizer can help you remember to take them, even while traveling. 

There’s no reason why you must sacrifice all your hard work and healthy habits while visiting family or heading to warmer destinations. Continuing a healthy lifestyle while traveling will help you have even more fun!

Tip adapted from Travel & Leisure¹¹

Trondheim old town with colourful Old warehouses in Ovre Elvehavn

Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway

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Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.

The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.

Please consult your financial professional for additional information.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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